In a marked change from her campaign rhetoric, Texas Democratic governor‑elect Gina Hinojosa told CNN on Thursday that her administration will seek a “strong working relationship” with Elon Musk and his companies, provided they operate on Texas‑defined terms. The comments come two days after Hinojosa secured the governorship, defeating Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
From campaign firebrand to pragmatic governor‑elect
During the 2024 race, Hinojosa warned Texas voters that the state could not “sell out to the highest bidder” and criticized Abbott for allegedly handing over public land to the nation’s only trillionaire. In an October press release she wrote, “Texans deserve a leader who puts the people first.”
Now, with the election decided, Hinojosa says the tone must shift. “We can have a strong working relationship with Elon Musk and his companies,” she said, “but it has to be on our terms. It cannot be just running over the people of Texas, and that’s what changes now that I will be governor.”
What’s at stake: Boca Chica State Park
The controversy centers on Boca Chica State Park, a 1,000‑acre coastal reserve near the southern tip of Texas that borders SpaceX’s Starbase launch facility. A 2024 Cameron County Commission agenda noted a proposed land swap: Texas would give SpaceX 43 acres of parkland in exchange for 477 acres of nearby land to expand launch operations.
In August 2025 the commission approved a separate deal allowing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to sell four non‑contiguous tracts totaling about 1.9 acres. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to approve that smaller transaction last year.
Hinojosa’s transition actions
At her first post‑election press conference, Hinojosa said she had asked the TPWD executive director to hold off on any action regarding the Boca Chica parcels until she assumes office on Jan. 19, 2027. “This morning I was pleased to talk to the executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife to confirm that this issue was not on today’s agenda and to request that no action be taken out of respect for this transition,” she explained.
Elon Musk’s response
Musk, who has repeatedly highlighted Texas’s pro‑business climate, posted on X that SpaceX and Tesla prospered in the state because it does not impose “oppressive and extractive” regulations. He contrasted Texas with California, citing higher taxes and over‑regulation as reasons for relocating major operations to the Lone Star State.
Implications for the new administration
Hinojosa’s shift underscores a broader trend among Democrats who, after winning office, must balance ideological positions with the practical need to attract investment and jobs. The governor‑elect’s willingness to negotiate with Musk could signal a more business‑friendly approach, aligning with Texas’s long‑standing emphasis on economic growth.
Critics, including some local activists, argue that any concession on public land sets a dangerous precedent. Hinojosa’s transition team declined to comment on whether the terms of the proposed swap might change under her administration.
What’s next?
As the new governor prepares to take office, Texas voters and stakeholders will watch closely to see how the administration balances protecting public lands with fostering the high‑tech aerospace sector that has become a cornerstone of the state’s economy.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
